We are two weeks into 2026. The holidays already feel like a distant memory. We’re back at the board, moving our pieces. With 10 books already out, Forward Chess machinery is running at full swing, with even more plans currently in the pipeline.
Before we move ahead, let’s pause for a moment to reflect on the year that has passed. The time has come for our customary Best Books of the Year update.
Grab a bowl of popcorn, your fizzy drinks, and get ready to dive in!
Best Books of 2025!
There’s an obvious candidate. Most of you would have guessed it. It’s sitting right in the middle of the room every year, needing to be shooed away from the stats.
Forward Chess offers many free books. One stands out with the most copies sold!
Chess Fundamentals – The evergreen, enlightening treatise on chess by the 3rd World Champion, José Raúl Capablanca. The book was also our first audio-enabled interactive ebook.
If you haven’t, do check it out and immerse yourself in the hybrid learning experience.
#1 Chess Fundamentals
José Raúl Capablanca
Available as an interactive ebook / Audio-enabled!
With the 3rd World Champion gracefully occupying the throne, we wanted to reserve the remaining spots for the top #9 books published in 2025!
As we combed through the stats, a fascinating trend unfolded. Behold! 2025 was the year of strategy.
Readers loved positional themes. The list is dominated by books focusing on middlegame mastery, covering imbalances, exchanges, pawn structures, and deep strategic guides.
Without holding you much longer, here we are…
Top #9 New Releases of 2025!
Data has told its story, What about yours?
Is there a book you enjoyed in 2025? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.
We wish you a successful and prosperous New Year.
Cheers to another great year, and we hope you find your winning moves in 2026!
Signing off for now,
Team Forward Chess.
Data has told its story, What about yours?
Is there a book you enjoyed in 2025? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.
We wish you a successful and prosperous New Year.
Cheers to another great year, and we hope you find your winning moves in 2026!
Signing off for now,
Team Forward Chess.
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- Best Italian Game Chess Books: Complete Opening Guide - October 20, 2026
- Best Books on the English Opening: A Complete Guide - October 15, 2026
Charlize 
Sean Marsh